Even though he may have been dropped from the one-day team, but the out-of-form Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has vowed that he will not be pushed into retirement.

Since a terrible tour of India last year, the Aussie opener has struggled to regain his touch, but is adamant that he will retire from his 103-Test career on his own terms.

Speaking on this with the ‘Daily Telegraph’, the Queenslander said, ''Ultimately it will be my call to look in the mirror and say, 'Mate it is time to go' . . . or it's time to saddle up, pull your socks up and get on with South Africa and the Ashes.”

In order to stake his claim for the next month’s Test Series in South Africa, the 37 year old left handed batsman will feature his skills in a Sheffield Shield game on January 30, later this month. However, it would hardly come as a surprise if Hayden does decide to walk away from Test cricket.

''It is very difficult to take a breath and get your mind around what my future does hold. I am going to take the time to do that. It is a time to take stock,'' Hayden said.

Though he may have score only 149 runs at a poor average of 16.55 last season, but the bulky batsman insists that he retains the support of his teammates who don't want him to retire his baggy green cap.

However, Hayden says his biggest challenge will be trying to convince himself of the right decision.

''The flame does burn within and I guess that may be the hardest part to actually reckon with,'' Hayden said.